Sunday, February 12, 2017

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS — The Eastern New Mexico University softball team (3-9) played Colorado Christian (7-5) in a neutral-site game for the third time in less than a week, and it turned out to be an epic contest. The Hounds pulled even after facing an eight-run deficit, but dropped a 9-8 decision to the Cougars in the finale of the North Texas Softball Bash.  Kylee Keller batted two-for-three with a double and a pair of runs batted in.

The loss dropped Eastern to 1-2 against Colorado Christian. Keller's performance extended her hit streak to five consecutive games, while she has reached base safely in 12 straight. The Greyhounds finished 2-3 at the Bash.

Greyhound starter Alyssa Lovato blanked the Cougars on just three hits over the first four innings. CCU exploded for five runs in the fifth frame after sending nine batters at the plate. The inning ended when shortstop Susannah Chandler tossed a runner out at the plate, trying to score from second base on an infield single. Colorado Christian plated three more runs in the top of the sixth, and looked to end the game early due to an 8-0 lead.

Keller led off the ENMU sixth with a double off relief pitcher Kenzie Mattie, and Chandler followed with a single. Kalamani Peneku cracked a RBI double to get the Hounds on the board and guarantee there would be a seventh inning. Eastern sent 13 batters to the plate in the inning and pulled even an 8-all on a Chandler RBI single. Both Keller and Chandler batted two-for-two in the frame and combined for three RBIs.

"These girls are relentless and have the ability to change the game in a swing of the bat," said Head Coach Katie Welborn. "It's so much fun to watch them when they're on like they were that inning."

Hannah Farmer led off the CCU seventh with a single, as the Cougars managed to load the bases with no outs. Greyhound centerfielder Ashley Lopez made a diving grab of a ball off the bat of Letty Valenzuela and doubled Shelby Day off second base. ENMU nearly escaped the jam, but Farmer scored on a wild pitch before Kaylee Rogers was able to fan Baylee Johnson looking to end the inning. The Hounds nearly tied the game in the bottom of the inning, but had a runner thrown out at the plate.

"Great play by Lopez in the outfield," added Welborn. It was a phenomenal play by itself, but then she was savvy enough to get up and double off a runner. It was a huge momentum shift for us."

Eastern committed just one error in the contest and received a number of strong defensive plays, which included a running catch from left fielder Cameron Conrad in the fourth inning, which may have taken a home run away from Johnson. Audrey Velasquez added two hits for Eastern, including a double. Samantha Brockman added a hit and two RBIs. Kelsea Sweeney scattered six hits to earn the win for CCU.

The Eastern New Mexico University softball team will return to action on Wednesday to host New Mexico Highlands in a non-conference doubleheader. The home-opener is scheduled to begin at noon MST.